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What 10 classic TV cars are worth today
Want to drive the same ride as Jim Rockford or The Mod Squad? Here's what it will cost you.
The Fonz had his motorcycle. Jim Rockford cruised around Malibu in his golden Firebird. If you want to live the life of a television character, you have to have a sweet ride.
We have previously looked at what television characters earned at their job, and how much their houses are worth. Now let's look inside their garages and see how much their automobiles are worth today.
Now let's see which is the priciest.
1. 1953 Willys M38 - 'M*A*S*H'
It should come as no surprise that the most affordable vintage TV vehicle would be the Korean War era military Jeeps driven by Hawkeye and company. Having no doors and topping out at 60mph knocks down the price.
2. 1968 Mercury Park Lane Brougham - 'Hawaii Five-O'
Aspiring television detectives could do worse than starting off like Steve McGarrett. His long black sedan can be had for pretty cheap. Back then, it would have run you about $4,000, so it has at least appreciated in value.
3. Triumph 1949 TR5 Trophy - 'Happy Days'
$8–$10,000
The actual cycle from the production sold last month for $100,000 on eBay. It had been previously auctioned for $87,500 in 2011. Fortunately, you wannabe Fonzies can live your James Dean dreams and pay a fraction of the price. A similar bike recently sold for $8,610.
4. 1974 Pontiac Firebird Esprit - 'The Rockford Files'
Even though the guy could hardly clear a check at the grocery store, Rockford drove a pretty sweet set of wheels. You gotta have priorities. The original retail price was $4,289, which means the private eye would have had to work 22 days at his going rate to pay for the Pontiac.
5. 1974 Ford Gran Torino - 'Starsky & Hutch'
The one for sale at the link above even comes with that sweet swooping white racing stripe. Seventeen grand is a small price to pay for practicing your hood slides.
6. 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS - 'Magnum, P.I.'
A surprisingly affordable Italian roadster, far more reasonable than the one you'll find at the end of this list. (Though, there is a beautiful one in perfect condition going for $119,000.) With that leftover money, you can buy a ton of Hawaiian shirts.
7. 1971 Dodge Challenger Convertible - 'The Mod Squad'
$56,000–$70,000
The convertible is going to cost you. A regular roofed coupe could run you anywhere from $20,000 to $43,000. The real deal used on the show surprisingly went for far less in 2010, auctioning at $49,500. Good luck fitting your three-person squad inside this muscle coupe.
8. 1961 Plymouth Fury Convertible - 'Peter Gunn'
Ah, we can hear that sinister surf guitar riff from the theme song… We dig the season three iteration of Gunn's car. Though his nifty car phone is going to cost you extra. That was far from a standard option at the time. Fortunately, we have cell phones.
9. 1965 Sunbeam Tiger convertible - 'Get Smart!'
Maxwell was smart indeed for investing in this rare little number. Only 6,450 of the British cars were made. Back then, the cute little number cost £1,446, which was about $4,000 at the time.
10. 1986 Ferrari Testarosa - 'Miami Vice'
Is it any wonder this is the most expensive? A narcotics cops these days would have to save up to purchase the same whip as Sonny Crockett. Perhaps it'd be more affordable to just stock up on white blazers and pastel T-shirts.
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